Blogging for jewelers and metalsmiths made easy! (and for those interested in jewelry and gemstones)

Great news of a pressing issue – “New” hydraulic press

by kevinpotter on September 28, 2009

You know how car companies come out with a new model of car every year and most times there is not much difference between the last year’s model and the new one? Well, I have come out with a new model of press. I don’t know how many people out there even knew that I made a press, but I know for sure that 9 people do since I sold 9 presses last year.

My first press looks totally different than any other that was out there. I always hate when people copy others. I don’t care if it is flattery, I was not going to do it to anyone else. The press that we designed is made from half inch steel plate and it uses a 20 ton bottle jack. I made the press as compact as possible and as strong as possible. It only has two critical welds on it.

The next press that we made is a little taller and it has a larger platen. I made the first press with a small platen so that a user could not misplace the work to one side of the press and possibly get hurt. I got a lot of requests for a larger platen so I did it- it is 6 inches square and 1 inch thick. The upper platen is a tool holder. I saw no sense in putting a large matching platen on the top that would block your view and force you to look into the danger zone while operating the press. I do make an accessory upper platen for those that would need it. I used springs from a child’s bouncy horse for my return springs so anyone who thinks that exposed springs are dangerous I don’t know what to tell you.

I looked all over to find a good quality jack. I bought all different kinds from the standard Harbor Freight to American made ones that cost more than the press. I found a good one that had the gauge port built into it and a center pump that was of superior quality to all that I had found prior.

The press frame is powder coated. I opted for a conservative all business color gray, but I did have one done in purple with an opalescent pearl sheen. I will do that one later for a show or something. Anyway below is a link for the video. My wife filmed it and made me get all dressed up in my Sunday best for this thing. Heck, I even shaved so that the moment can be saved for posterity.

I know it’s a little “down homey,” but that’s what makes it so fun to watch! I’ll post some demo videos in the coming days – “Live action demos” – Man, are they exciting! I’ll bet ya can’t wait! I know I like to watch them over and over again.

The press will be sold by Otto Frei in the very near future, but it hasn’t been shipped there yet. This is a sneak peek – don’t tell anyone!